A foot model's top tips on how to get perfect feet (2024)

Our feet are often overlooked as a body part in need of some TLC. But a lot of us are on our feet most of the day, and our poor soles, heels and toes need some looking after.

We spoke to Ginny Bowen, a foot model based in New York, to see how she keeps her feet in tip top condition.

1. Give your toes some love

'Make time for a regular pedicure appointment. I give my feet some much needed TLC once a month,' says Ginny. 'If you prefer to DIY when it comes to a pedi, make sure you contour the nail to the toe shape. Don’t be tempted to cut straight across or you’ll have corners that stick out and damage adjacent toes. Likewise, if you cut deep down the side of a nail it can cause nail trauma and ingrowing toe nails.'

2. It's all about moisturising

'Do this ideally two to three times a week,' Ginny tells us. 'I apply moisturiser after showering and before bed and I wear cotton bed socks to help the moisturiser sink in properly.'

3. Be careful of blisters

'I can’t afford to get blisters in my line of work so I have about a dozen pairs of loafer socks in a bunch of different shades – black, brown, tan, nude. They prevent rubbing and keep my feet fresh,' Ginny tells us.

Lindsey Clark, Head of Garment and Shoe Tech at Long Tall Sally, says, ‘The daily commute can be hell on your feet so the right fit is essential. Our research shows that 32% of women are wearing the wrong size shoes, which can cause calluses, corns and blisters. Our advice is to head to a shoe shpo to get your feet measured and always try on multiple sizes and styles for the perfect fit.’

4. Think carefully about heels

'If you must wear heels, don’t walk in them. Sit down and look gorgeous!' Lindsey says. 'Seriously, keep the heel as low as possible and opt for a shoe with an ankle strap to hold the foot in place. Wearing really high heels should be for occasions and events, not general wear.'

MORE: 10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT YOUR FEET

5. Keep fungus at bay

'People forget this, but it's important to let your nails breath in between pedicures by removing nail varnish completely between applications,' warns Ginny. 'As well as this, if you’re a regular gym goer or swimmer, you could be at risk from fungal infections. Fungus loves warm, moist conditions like sweaty trainers (hence the link with athlete's foot), so always change your socks and dry your feet thoroughly after washing, including between your toes.'

'An application of tea tree oil after activity will keep infections at bay too,' adds Jane Faulkner, Lead Podiatrist at Sole Sister in Brighton. 'And remember, fungus can live in shoes as well, so if you do have an infection you need to treat them. As a general rule of thumb, try not to wear the same shoes every day and let them dry out between wearings.'

6. Care for your cuticles

'Looking after your toenails is only part of the regime,' Ginny tells us. 'But don't forget those cuticles too! I swear by Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil. I put it on my fingers and toes.'

Jane Faulkner adds a word of caution about pushing cuticles back though. 'This can create an entry portal for infection,' she warns us. 'An infected nail base is called paronychia and is really painful. Your best bet? If cuticles need cutting, get a podiatrist to do it for you.'

7. Ward off discolouration

If you're wanting to avoid yellow nails, always use a base coat,' Ginny tells us. 'Discolouration is usually the result of dark nail polish.'

8. Know when to go to a pro

'Sometimes it's time to admit defeat and go to see a pro instead,' Ginny tells us. 'If I ever have an ingrown toenail or a callus, I head straight to my podiatrist. I’d rather get issues treated medically than risk a potential infection. As a rule, if it hurts, it won’t go away on its own. But if your feet are problem free, then treat your podiatrist like the dentist, with a six to 12 monthly check up.'

MORE: HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING THESE FOOT CARE MISTAKES?

(Image Credit: Long Tall Sally)

A foot model's top tips on how to get perfect feet (2024)

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